The Minnesota Vikings made the playoffs after going 14-3 in 2024. Although their free-agent acquisitions made significant impacts, the same couldn’t be said about their rookie class. According to Pro Football Focus, Vikings rookies took 464 combined snaps on offense and defense, the fewest in the NFL. For comparison, the Los Angeles Rams rookie class took 4,864.
It didn’t do much to squash the narrative of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s drafting ability, but there were reasons for the low number. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy tore his meniscus and missed the entire season. He will likely be the starter when training camp begins. EDGE rusher Dallas Turner played behind Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, who each made the Pro Bowl.
PFF released snap counts and grades for all rookies during the regular season. It should be noted this doesn’t count special teams, so kicker Will Reichard isn’t included, nor are the special teams snaps or grades from the other rookies.
Sep 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) celebrates a sack with linebacker Dallas Turner (15) during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Snaps played: 302
PFF grade: 63.8
Oregon defensive lineman Taki Taimani picks up a fumble as the No. 6 Oregon Ducks host California Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.
Snap counts: 70
PFF grade: 61.2
Oct 21, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Gabriel Murphy (11) celebrates with defensive lineman Jay Toia (93) after recording a sack against the Stanford Cardinal during the first quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Snap count: 35
PFF grade: 68.3
Nov 24, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Bo Richter (98) reacts after recovering a fumble against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
Snap count: 30
PFF grade: 72.1
Aug 24, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee (16) evades a tackle by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Dwight McGlothern (47) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports
Snap count: 20
PFF grade: 80.5
Oct 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; A detailed view of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson’s (18) helmet before the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Snap count: 7
PFF grade: 75.6